Meaning
To serve as a model for others to follow, either good or bad.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, this phrase is often used to describe tribal leaders or 'Sheikhs' who embody traditional values like hospitality and wisdom. It is a high mark of respect. Egyptians use this idiom frequently in media and education. However, in street slang, they might shorten it to 'بقى مثل' (He became a proverb) to describe someone who is constantly talked about. In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is often used in a literary sense. You will hear it in political speeches or when discussing the historical importance of cities like Damascus. In Morocco and Algeria, the phrase retains its formal MSA structure in news and literature. It is often used to describe the 'Sabr' (patience) of the people during the colonial era.
Use the Preposition 'Fi'
Always follow the phrase with 'fi' (in) to specify the trait. It makes your Arabic sound much more natural.
Gender Agreement
Remember to change 'bihi' (him) to 'biha' (her) or 'bihim' (them) depending on who you are talking about.
Meaning
To serve as a model for others to follow, either good or bad.
Use the Preposition 'Fi'
Always follow the phrase with 'fi' (in) to specify the trait. It makes your Arabic sound much more natural.
Gender Agreement
Remember to change 'bihi' (him) to 'biha' (her) or 'bihim' (them) depending on who you are talking about.
Historical References
Mentioning 'Hatim al-Tai' when using this phrase for generosity will instantly impress native speakers.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and word to complete the idiom.
يضرب هذا العالم ....... المثل في الذكاء.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'bi' (بـ) attached to the pronoun referring to the subject.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to praise someone's honesty?
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
Sentence A follows the correct passive structure: Verb + Bi-Subject + Al-Mathal + Fi-Trait.
Match the trait to the person who 'strikes the proverb' in it.
صل الشخص بالصفة المناسبة:
These are the most famous cultural 'Amthal' in Arabic history.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
أحمد: هل رأيت كيف تبرع التاجر بكل ماله؟ خالد: نعم، لقد أصبح ....... في السخاء.
Both 'يضرب به المثل' and 'مضرباً للأمثال' work, but 'يضرب به المثل' is the most standard idiomatic verb phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesيضرب هذا العالم ....... المثل في الذكاء.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'bi' (بـ) attached to the pronoun referring to the subject.
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
Sentence A follows the correct passive structure: Verb + Bi-Subject + Al-Mathal + Fi-Trait.
صل الشخص بالصفة المناسبة:
These are the most famous cultural 'Amthal' in Arabic history.
أحمد: هل رأيت كيف تبرع التاجر بكل ماله؟ خالد: نعم، لقد أصبح ....... في السخاء.
Both 'يضرب به المثل' and 'مضرباً للأمثال' work, but 'يضرب به المثل' is the most standard idiomatic verb phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt sounds a bit arrogant to say 'Yudrabu bi al-mathal' about yourself. It's better to say 'I strive to be an example' (As'a an akuna mithalan).
No, you can use it for cities, companies, books, or even historical periods.
'Mithal' is a general example. 'Mathal' is a proverb or a legendary parable. This idiom uses 'Mathal' because it implies legendary status.
Yes, but often in a simplified form. In MSA, it is most powerful.
Related Phrases
مضرب الأمثال
synonymThe place/subject of proverbs.
على سبيل المثال
similarFor example.
ضرب به عرض الحائط
contrastTo ignore or disregard something completely.
مثال يحتذى به
similarAn example to be followed.
